Neutron Science

Quantum Condensed Matter

Neutron scattering is a uniquely powerful probe for measuring the structure and dynamics of condensed matter. As such it is broadly applicable to many important forefront problems in quantum materials. Much of the science conducted by users and ORNL staff emphasizes materials with emergent properties that are manifestly quantum in origin. Some examples of current interests include:

Superconductivity

Multiferroicity

Low-dimensional and frustrated magnetism

Orbital fluctuations

Quantum criticality

Topological insulators

New states of matter

Our scientists also develop and apply new neutron instruments and methods for the benefit of our users and the global scientific community.

SNS researchers overcome the freezing sample problem in biostudiesOctober 01, 2012 — Studying biosamples at supercold temperatures, such as 200 Kelvin (-73.15°C), has been impossible in the past, as the water in such solutions inevitably freezes, and with it, the biosample's dynamic interactions. How to keep biosamples from freezing at very low temperatures has been an ongoing research problem—until now.